Downey to crack down on illegal fireworks

DOWNEY >> The City Council adopted a resolution this week that imposes harsher fines and penalties on those caught with illegal fireworks.

The resolution also provides extra funding for additional police patrols on the Fourth of July.

Mayor Mario Guerra said a combination of fine increases and an educational campaign will help curtail illegal fireworks use.

The city’s Fourth of July police patrol typically consists of one lieutenant, two sergeants, 13 officers, one K-9 unit, one gang detective, one accident investigator and six motorcycle officers, according to the city — roughly double the department’s normal deployment.

Still, from 6 p.m. to midnight on July 4 this year, the police department received 240 calls for service. Of those calls, 90 were fireworks-related.

The fireworks enforcement team issued 30 citations for illegal fireworks, and 13 additional citations were issued by regular patrol officers.

Fines this year will be raised to a minimum of $2,000 for the first violation, $2,500 for the second and $3,000 for each additional offense.

Downey allows the use of “safe and sane” fireworks, but surrounding cities such as Long Beach and Cerritos do not.